Category: Obituaries

Lindenwood, IL Donald C. Holder, age 52, died on May 14, 2018 at his home. Don was born on April 6, 1966 in Dekalb, IL., the son of Odetta (Peterson) Holder. He attended Rochelle Township High School. Don was employed at Rochelle Foods as an electrician. He self- taught himself this trade and later became certified. Don has lived in the area for 52 years. Don loved to “fix things” and enjoyed doing anything that he could fix with his hands. Skydiving had become his passion. Don and his son Jerrod jumped together in honor of Caleb James Holder. Don is survived by his son Jerrod Martin; brother: P. Jeff (Susan), Dekalb, IL; Sister: Tammy (Dan) Schmidt, Polo, IL; Partner & best friend of 26 years, Ronda Holder. Don is preceded in death by his parents; son Caleb Holder (2013), and 4 half-sisters. Graveside service will be held on Tuesday May 22, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. at Silver Creek Cemetery, Mt. Morris, IL. Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 22, 2018 from 10:00 A.M. until service time at Silver Creek Cemetery. Officiant Wilmer Houck. Memorials to Caleb & Kat Bowling Scholarship Fund, C/O Stillman Bank.

Mt. Morris, IL Glenn V. Green, age 89, died on May 15, 2018 in Pinecrest Manor Nursing Home, Mt. Morris, IL. Glenn was born on August 1, 1928 in Almena, Kansas the son of Thomas G. & Cora L. (Williamson) Green. Glenn married Maxine Henry on July 23, 1948 in Almena, Kansas. He was a printer for a Gary Post Tribune in Gary, Indiana for 50 years retiring in 1994. Glenn served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. He loved to hunt, fish, trap shoot, and gunsmith.
Glenn is survived by his wife: Maxine Green, Mt. Morris, IL; son: Michael (Julie) Green, Byron, IL.
Glenn is preceded in death by his parents; sister: Betty; and brother: Galen.
Cremation rites have been accorded with Finch Funeral Home, 405 East Hitt, Mt. Morris, IL. Per Glenn’s wishes a memorial service will be held at a later date.

OREGON IL— Lois Irene Pauls 90, of Oregon, IL died Wednesday May 9, 2018 at her home in Oregon after a short illness.
Lois was born Oct. 21, 1927 in Oregon Township, the daughter of Carrie Shugars and John Kelser. She married John E (Eddie) Pauls on July 6, 1956 in Oregon, IL. He preceded her in death on Oct. 19, 1984. She is also preceded in death by her son: David and grandson: Justin. Lois was a lifelong resident of Oregon.
Survivors include her daughter Nancy (Richard) Behnke, Knoxville, TN. Two loving granddaughters Hannah (Mateusz) Majerczak, Dekalb, IL and Sunshine Behnke, Knoxville, TN. Two nieces Joyce (Phil) Welch, Liberty, IL and Lynda (Scott) Haas, Oregon, IL that she loved like her own and her best friend Mary Hayenga, Oregon, IL.
Cremation rites will be accorded and there will be a private family service. Visit: hnmjrck23@gmail.com to send condolences.

Mt. Morris, IL, John “Jack” A. Kimes, age 74, passed away at home on Tuesday May 8, 2018 with his wife and family by his side. Jack was born June 28, 1943 in Caseyville Township, IL the son of Ford & Helen (Beres) Kimes. Jack married Peggy Bull on January 31, 2003 in Rockford, IL. He was a machine fabricator and he retired from Cincinnati Lamb in 2007. Jack lived in Rockford from 1969-2013 moving to Mt. Morris. Jack served his country from 1961 to 1965 as a very proud US Marine. He enjoyed antiquing, garage sailing, working in his yard, but he loved the Christmas season most of all.
Jack is survived by his wife: Peggy Kimes, Mt. Morris, IL; son: Josh Kimes, Roscoe, IL; step daughter: Vickie (Dave) St. Clair, Mt. Morris, IL; step son: Ron (Angele) Osborne, La Crosse, WI; 8 grandchildren: David St. Clair, Dillon St. Clair, Devin Osborne, Connor Osborne, Skylar Osborne, Harley Osborne, Josh Kimes Jr., Kayla Kimes; and many nieces and nephews.
Jack is preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers: Leroy Kimes and Kurt Kimes; sister in law: Kay Kimes.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Cremation rites have been accorded with Finch Funeral Home, 405 East Hitt, Mt. Morris, IL.
The family would like to extend a thank you to Serenity Hospice and Home; with a special thank you to Val.

Lightsville, IL, Nancy Mae Plemmons, age 81, passed away on Tuesday May 8, 2018, while she was on her way to work. Nancy was born March 23, 1937 in Oregon, IL the daughter of Harold & Nellie (Wakenight) Sigler. Nancy married Michael Plemmons on September 11, 1953 in Rockford, IL; and he preceded her in death on May 7, 2012. Nancy worked at Pinecrest Manor Nursing Home in housekeeping. She was a member of North Grove Christian Church, Den mother and a Girl Scout leader, and the Mt. Morris Lodge.
Nancy is survived by her Daughter: Debra Pulver, Janesville, WI; Son: Terry Plemmons Sr. , Mt. Morris, IL. 8 Grandchildren: Troy Plemmons, Dixon, IL; Terry Plemmons Jr., Rochelle, IL; Debra Plemmons, Mt. Morris, IL; Michael Plemmons, Sterling, IL; Adonis, Athena, Alethia, and Apollo Plemmons, Mt. Morris, IL. 4 Great-Grandchildren: Moses Plemmons; Michael Plemmons; Cael Plemmons; Robert Irvin; Charli Irvin; Isaiah Perez; Leo Garza; and Conor Plemmons.
Nancy is Preceded in death by her Parents; husband: Michael; sister: Evelyn Plasters; great granddaughter; nephew; son in law: Roger Pulver.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday May 15, 2018 at 10:30 A.M. in Finch Funeral Home, 405 East Hitt, Mt. Morris, IL. Burial will be in Lightsville Cemetery, Lightsville, IL. Visitation will be held on Monday May 14, 2018 from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. in Finch Funeral Home.
Memorials to be established.

Esther Wilson, 99, Leaf River, IL
Esther Eileen (Werkheiser) Wilson, 99, passed peacefully Monday, April 16, three days short of her 100th birthday. She was born April 19, 1918, on the family farm in Jo Daviess County, the Sixth child of William Leslie and Emma Belle (Finkenbinder) Werkheiser. She married Ralph Malone Wilson of Leaf River on June 5, 1943, in Seward. They were married for 66 years at the time of his death in January 2010.
Esther graduated from Lena High School with the class of 1936, continued her education with a scholarship at Northern Illinois University, and received her bachelor’s degree in education. She taught in the rural schools of Blanchard, Poplar Grove, and Cherry Hill prior to and during the first two years of her marriage. She resumed her teaching career at Leaf River Grade School.
She was a faithful member of the Leaf River United Methodist Church, serving as a choir member, Sunday school teacher, and a leader on various boards. As a caretaker of family history, she was proud to be a member of the DAR, Daughters of the American Revolution. She was a long-time member of the Leaf River Grange. Above all, she was most dedicated to loving and supporting her family.
Esther remains deeply loved by her family: children, Kay Wilson of Grinnell, Iowa, Marcia (Dennis) Morrissey of Bloomington, and Kevin (Patti) Wilson of Leaf River; grandchildren, Sara Croft (Mitra Rahnema) of Grinnell, Iowa, Peter Croft of St. Joseph, Dunavan (Julie) Billups of Streator, Kristin Billups of Bloomington, Benjamin (Chris) Wilson of Leaf River, Carist (Mike) Koehl of Leaf River, Emmalee (Chad) Rupp of Hazel Green, Wisconsin; great-grandchildren, Bethany (Braden), Payton, Owen, Charleston, Wyatt, Hailey, Wade, Michael, Alexis, Daniel, Lily,Sawyer, Miles; sister-in-law: Ruth Werkheiser of Freeport, IL.
In addition to her husband, she is predeceased by her parents; brothers, Mervin, Sheldon, Owen, Don, Marlow; sisters, Marian, Ardeth, Verla.
Visitation will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, April 19 at Leaf River United Methodist Church. Service at 2:00 p.m. following the visitation. Pastor David W. Poust will officiate. Interment at North Grove Christian Cemetery. Memorials to Leaf River United Methodist Church and North Grove Christian Cemetery. Arrangements by Finch Funeral Home.

Mt. Morris, IL, Vincent Paul Musso, age 79, passed away on Tuesday April 3, 2018 in Pinecrest Manor Nursing Home, Mt. Morris, IL. Vincent was born July 25, 1938 in Rockford, IL the son of Joe V. & Mary Evelyn (Epperson) Musso. He attended Whig Hill School in Rockford, IL. Vincent married Myrna L Coupar on August 6, 1966 in Grace Methodist Church, Rockford, IL. Vincent was a maintenance custodian for the Rockford School District, Rockford, IL; prior to working at the school district he was a maintenance custodian for nursing homes and churches. Vincent also worked in cement construction. Vince and Myrna owned various homes in which they remodeled and sold. Vince retired in August of 2000 after 47 years of employment. He lived in Ogle County for several years many in Byron, but most recently he lived in Mt. Morris, IL. Vince was a member of the Disciples United Methodist Church in Mt. Morris, IL.
Vince is survived by his wife: Myrna L. Musso, Leaf River, IL; daughter: Sara (Daniel) Ginter, Elkhart, IL; grandchildren: Mary (Jeff) Thormahlen, Jordan Ginter, Mykil Baker, and Mackenzie Baker; 2 great grandchildren: Addison and Cooper Thormahlen; 4 brothers: Martin (Mary) Musso, Rockton, IL, Joseph (Sue) Musso, Pecatonica, IL, Thomas (Cindy) Musso, Rockford, IL, and Micheal (Coco) Musso, Lakeland, FL.
Vince is preceded in death by his parents: Joe V. & Mary E. Musso.
A celebration of life will be held on April 21, 2018 at 2:30 P.M. in the Pincrest Manor Nursing Home Chapel. There was a private burial in Silver Creek Cemetery, Mt. Morris, IL. Finch Funeral Home, 405 East Hitt, Mt. Morris, IL assisted the family with his services.
Immediately following the celebration of life there will be refreshments and fellowship in the solarium in Pinecrest Manor.

Mary Ellen Whitney Sassaman, 100, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2018, after a long and full life. She was born October 29, 1917 on a farm between Davis Junction and Stillman Valley. She was delivered during a blizzard with snow so deep that her father had to take a horse and cutter over the fences to fetch her grandmother. Mary Ellen was the daughter of Timothy and Mattie Bear Whitney. She had one sister, Bette Lace, who preceded her in death in 2007. On March 19, 1938, Mary Ellen married Howard Sassaman at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oregon, IL. They raised 4 children, Timothy, Twins Patrick and Michael, and Bridget.
Aspiring from an early age to become a nurse she achieved that goal at the age of 52. She graduated from Sauk Valley College of Nursing Program in 1970, finally able to pursue the career she had dreamed of as a teenager. She worked 10 years as an obstetrics nurse at Rochelle Hospital, and the remaining years at the Oregon Nursing Home. At the age of 88 she hung up her nursing hat. Previously before nursing she had been a secretary at Rockford College and Whitney Buick Sales.
Mary Ellen was president of Stillman Valley Grade School Board, President of Stillman Valley Women’s Club, Secretary of Ogle County Federation of Women, Ogle County Jr. Red Cross Chairman, Grand Regent Catholic Daughters, Charter Member and President of PEO Chapter IU, listed in Who’s Who of American Women 1976. She attended Browns Business College of Rockford, Rockford Liberal Arts College and Sauk Valley Jr. College.
Mary Ellen’s fun-loving spunky personality, wisdom and kindness to all she met will be greatly missed. She was a lover of cats and birds, enjoyed bridge, golf, genealogy, antiques and loved all the dances she had with her husband Howard. Her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren were all a source of immense pride and happiness.
She is survived by her son Timothy (Donna), Hot Springs, AR and daughter Bridget (Bernie) Bodoh Rockford, IL and many grand children, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Family and friends joined in a Celebration of Life for her 100th birthday in October. According to her wishes cremation was granted at Finch Funeral Home, Mt. Morris. A private family gathering will be held in July. Special thanks to the caring staff at Oregon Living and Rehabilitation.

Mt. Morris, IL, Eva Marie Armbruster, age 100, passed away Saturday March 31, 2018 in Pinecrest Manor Nursing with her children by her side. She was born in Chicago, IL on March 17, 1918 the daughter of Frederick & LaVona (Green) McCready. Marie moved to Rockford, IL in 1933 and graduated from Rockford Senior High School class of 1935. After graduation she moved back to Mt. Morris where she resided ever since. Marie married Lloyd Armbruster on August 12, 1937 in Mt. Morris, IL; Lloyd preceded her in death in 1981. She was an active member of the Mt. Morris Christian Church serving as church treasurer and teaching Sunday school for 34 years. In her later years she attended West Branch Church of The Brethren. Marie worked at Kable Printing, Abstract Office, Hollie Guist Insurance, and in later years at the Mt. Morris Dry Goods. She enjoyed doing volunteer work, served as a Girl Scout Leader for 12 years, and was a SHIP volunteer for 8 years.
Marie is survived by a daughter: Cheryl (Robert) Gilmour, Rockford, IL and son: Charles (Sandra) Armbruster, Oregon, IL; 5 grandchildren: Christine (Lance) Summey, Charlotte NC, James Gilmour, Rockford, IL, Justin (Anne) Armbruster, Springfield, IL, Jodi (Mark) Leary, Oregon, IL, Joshua (Jessica) Armbruster, Oregon, IL; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Marie is preceded in death by her parents; husband: Lloyd; brother: Donald McCready; and 2 sisters: Vernie Hanes and Ethel Benoche.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday April 3, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. in Finch Funeral Home, 405 East Hitt, Mt. Morris, IL. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Mt. Morris, IL. Visitation will be held Tuesday April 3, 2018 from 10:00 A.M. until service time in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers memorials to Pinecrest Manor Nursing Home and/or West Branch Church of The Brethren.